MARQUETTE — The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity has awarded funding to UP Michigan Works! through its Young Professionals and Young Professionals Plus initiatives to help more young people explore careers, build job skills and earn income while preparing for the workforce.

The programs are for Michiganders ages 14-24, with a focus on reducing barriers to employment and connecting participants to real opportunities in high-demand fields. In 2025, UP Michigan Works! partnered with more than 90 employers to provide work-based learning experiences for students across the region.

The investment supports a larger goal for the U.P. to help young adults see a future for themselves in the region while strengthening the long-term talent pipeline for local employers.